When Should I Change My Pillows?

June 2, 2011

Your favorite set of pillows. Ah, yes. It brings back memories doesn’t it? If ever there’s something that has witnessed your laughter, absorbed your tears, took the punches of your anger, the tightness of your frightened grip, or bore with your subconscious drool, it’s your pillow. The bond you share with this important piece of personal property seems like a one-way relationship, doesn’t it? You live the rest of your day without the slightest thought of your favorite pillow or set of pillows, but when the day is done, it’s always there for you, ready to be hugged or rested on once more.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that it's time to change this pillow.

However, no matter how close the attachment, the time will come when you will have to change your pillows. A good pillow of any type should provide you proper neck support, spine adjustment and a good night’s sleep. It’s logical to say that an old pillow would provide the same elements poorly. That’s why you need to change your pillow. Just like any material thing that slowly passes away, it has its own “expiration date.” A time comes when the feathers clump, the cotton conforms together and the foam becomes flattened. As to the question of when, it’s a matter of relevance to one’s own physical need.

Have a healthy, relaxing sleep with a clean pillow that gives you the right support and comfort.

Remember the difference between physical need and sentimental attachment. You can be with your 2-decade-old pillow that has been with you since the dawn of your adolescence, but it is all flat and lumpy, and provides you very poor neck support. You’d know automatically when to change your pillow by noticing that you wake up with a stiff neck and an aching back. You’d also notice that if your pillow does not spring back if you fold it in half, it’s too old and it needs to be replaced. The standard is your physical comfort and health. But before I end, I’d like to share with you one principle. There are plenty of things you’d like to hold on for a little longer, but sometimes, you have to let go. It could shatter that long bond of sentimental attachment, but it’s for your own good. It applies entirely to life, but you could start applying it to something as simple as you pillow.